STL DPB ON THE ROAD - MADELEINE MONDAY + AUDREY + BONUS

All the grandkids: the redoubtable Ellie, almost 10, with Michigan cousin Audrey, almost 8. Below, grandson Atlas, 4, in my son's hands and about to be thrown in the water, to his obvious delight. All in the pool at our hotel in Grand Rapids.          

FISH IN TRAINING

Ellie is in heaven. Our little Midwesterner loves water and has learned how to snorkel. It's hard to get her out of the pool unless it's to go to the beach.

Lots of activities starting today. We're going to the town farmers market this morning. Tonight we are doing something special. At this season, certain species of sea turtles waddle onto beaches at night, dig holes in the sand with their flippers and lay their eggs. You can only go with a naturalist. Red flashlights are required because the turtles can't see that wavelength and they remain undisturbed.